Creative thinking? Proactive is the answer...

This is the link to the article I am discussing.  (http://nyti.ms/13NB68t) In this article, the author (a nationally known psychiatrist) talks about his hope for what that White House Conference on mental illness offers.  First of all, he is very hopeful in terms of the increased attention to the issue of mental illness.  And talks about how important that is at a time when many veterans are coming home with PTSD and there are more people committing suicide.  He also adds that it is seen as more crucial because of the fact that there is some evidence that it has been a factor in some recent high-profile gun violence tragedies. As this article indicates, it seems very clear that there is agreement that mental illness IS a priority in terms of important national issues and deserves our attention.  That truly is a wonderful thing.   

Then he identifies one of the highest priorities as addressing the shame and stigma connected with mental illness.  And gives President Obama credit for recognizing the need for access to services. Finally, he goes into the most important part of the article.  This is his discussion about how important creative thinking will be in providing such access at a time of budgetary constraints.  I think that this is a crucial point.  He is right.  Not everything costs money.  And we can reduce costs through some creative thinking about the issues that are important to deal with as we look for solutions to this mental health crisis.

In my opinion, the highest priority should be access to appropriate medication, supportive services, and therapy PRIOR to the time that someone reaches the crisis stage.  For many people, medication and other support aren’t available until the situation IS a crisis.  AFTER they have lost housing or are suicidal. AFTER the family has given up. AFTER options for existing natural support are depleted.  What if we took a more proactive approach?  What if we made medication available more easily, and not just when someone is hospitalized? It seems as though providing inpatient treatment as the only option for some people would be the most expensive alternative. And those that work or live at the mercy of the availability of services in the mental health system know that there are few options for people to deal with mental illness without insurance coverage.  Little of what is available seems to be focused on proactively dealing with the issues. We do need creative thinking.  We need adequate access to needed medications, professional support through case management/therapy, and peer support.  We need access to information for the general public and those living with mental illness. Finally, people need to understand that seeking help isn’t shameful. But it truly is a shame when someone lives and dies in misery due to mental illness. It’s time that we make the changes.